Sweet annie (Artemisia annua) is also known as Chinese wormwood or sweet wormwood. Although it is in the same genus as both wormwood (absinthe, Artemisia absinthium) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), each of these herbs has different uses and should not be confused.

For more than 1,500 years, sweet annie tea was used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat fevers, although the herb fell out of favor for a few centuries. In 1970, a TCM handbook from the 5th Century was discovered and stimulated interest in sweet annie. Although originally used to treat fevers, sweet annie was not used specifically for malaria.

Sweet annie's main active constituent is artemisinin, which has shown rapid antimalarial activity in humans, especially when used as an adjuvant with standard antimalarial drugs. Considered a weed by some, the plant can be grown in many climates and a simple and effective preparation of Artemisia annua could be a much-needed inexpensive and convenient weapon against malaria. In addition to its promise in treating malaria, preliminary evidence indicates that sweet annie may have potential as an anticancer agent and an antiviral.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

Certain constituents found in sweet annie show promise when used in combination with standard chemotherapy. However, currently there is not enough scientific evidence in humans to make a strong recommendation for this use.

C

Malaria is a serious health concern in many poorer parts of the world where modern antimalarial drugs may not be available. Although there has been some interest in using sweet annie as an antimalarial, there is currently not enough human evidence to make a strong recommendation.

C

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

There is no proven safe or effective dose for sweet annie in children.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sweet annie or members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisy.

Side Effects and Warnings

Certain constituents in sweet annie (artemisinin and artesunate) have been well-tolerated when taken by mouth with no reported adverse effects. However, there is a lack of available information on the safety of sweet annie and caution is advised.

Use cautiously in patients with compromised heart or brain function, as a related species has shown potential toxicity.

Use cautiously in patients who are pregnant or recovering from surgery or other wounds.

Use cautiously in patients with compromised immune function, as sweet annie may have immunosuppressive activity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Sweet annie is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence. Sweet annie may inhibit angiogenesis, which is the development of new blood vessels.

Sweet annie may inhibit angiogenesis, which is the development of new blood vessels. Caution is advised in patients taking agents that affect angiogenesis.

Although not well studied in humans, sweet annie may also inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Thus, patients taking antibiotics and antifungals should be aware that additive effects might occur.

Artesunate, a constituent found in sweet annie, may be incompatible with quinolines, which are used as food preservatives and in making antiseptics. These should not be confused with quinolones, which are a family of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Sweet annie has been studied for its antimalarial and anticancer effects and use with other antimalarial or anticancer agents may have additive effects.

Sweet annie may have antioxidant and immunosuppressive activity. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for possible interactions.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Sweet annie may inhibit angiogenesis, which is the development of new blood vessels. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that affect angiogenesis.

Although not well studied in humans, sweet annie may also inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Thus, patients taking antibiotics and antifungals should be aware that additive effects might occur.

Sweet annie has been studied for its antimalarial and anticancer effects and use with other antimalarial or anticancer herbs or supplements may have additive effects.

Sweet annie may have antioxidant and immunosuppressive activity. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for possible interactions with herbs or supplements with these effects.

Haynes RK. From artemisinin to new artemisinin antimalarials: biosynthesis, extraction, old and new derivatives, stereochemistry and medicinal chemistry requirements. Curr Top Med Chem 2006;6(5):509-537.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.